Because of the continued use of industrial technology, the world more and more wonders, “Where on earth are we going to be in the near future environmentally?” More people would admit that they are very worried, if one were to ask how they felt about the current state of the environment. There are a number of primary causes and effects that the general public should be aware about regarding some key issues. Global warming is at the top of this list of concerns and one must acknowledge what strategies various agencies have in place and educate the general public on how they can eventually make the world a better place.

With the world’s increased use of emissions, coupled with a current state of anti-terrorism, there are a number of treaties that have been erected that will hope to resolve environmental conflicts before they start. The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty was erected to prohibit the testing of nuclear weapons in all environments. Another strategy is the Kyoto Protocol, which is an internationally set forth agreement which sets limits on emissions of greenhouse gases from industrial countries. Participating countries agree to only emit a certain amount of carbon. If a country can’t afford to meet this limit, they can buy credits from a country that has produced less than the agreed amount.

While doctrines such as treaties and protocols are productive one must never forget that they are useless without a consistent fresh water supply. Because water covers 70% of the Earth, and only 2.5% is freshwater, and of that, only 1% is suitable drinking water, this means that more than 1 billion people on this earth lack safe drinking water. With global warming, the increasing temperatures would lead to floods and the loss of freshwater ecosystems. This is essential to understanding the primary causes of global warming. What causes global warming is carbon dioxide released when fossil fuels, such as oil, are burned for energy. Thus, one must be conscious and limit their use of burning energy and power plants, vehicles and homes, for example.

There are a number of things beyond the scope of doctrines, treaties, and environmental consciousness that individuals can do collectively that will make a world of difference. One might consider replacing light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. These last 10 times longer and can lower the household energy bill while considerably reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Another thing one can do is get vehicle engine tune ups and keep tires inflated. This makes the vehicle work less strenuously and more fuel efficient. There are a number of energy-efficient appliances that are becoming more readily available. The first appliance that should be considered in the refrigerator, which consumes the most electricity at home. Also make sure the dwelling is equipped with adequate insulation and is draft-free. Lastly, it is time in one’s life to switch vehicles consider driving a hybrid car. These are just some of the things that the Environmental Protection Agency supports and will continue to purport until their goal of reducing global-warming emissions is met.